PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
Lincoln, an anti-slavery advocate, had strong support from the North however, he did not receive the same from the South. This speech was made upon his acceptance of the Republican candidacy for the Senate in Illinois.

AUDIENCE
Public

REASON
Lincoln stresses the importance of the preservation of the Union as well as make his stance clear on the issue of this debate of slavery.

THESIS/MAIN IDEA
we should be a union

SIGNIFICANCE
This speech proclaims his innate values and motives that led him to the presidency in the years to come.